Many people don’t know much about the thyroid gland until they get diagnosed with some sort of metabolic disease. But this little butterfly shaped gland is extremely important and plays a major role in how our bodies function. And believe it or not, even without the assistance of the advanced technology of today, ancient practitioners of East Asian Medicine knew about the thyroid and also knew how to treat it when it became dysfunctional or diseased.
The thyroid gland is situated at the front of the throat, below the larynx (Adam’s apple) and is comprised of two lobes that lie on either side of the windpipe. The thyroid gland secretes hormones to regulate many metabolic processes, including growth and energy expenditure. It is only one of the 8 glands which makes up the endocrine system. The other glands include the adrenals, the hypothalamus, the pancreas, the para-thyroid, pineal, pituitary and the reproductive glands (ovaries and / or testicles).
East Asian Medicine (EAM) has practiced endocrinology for over 2,000 years. Chinese healers back in 200 B.C. used extractions of both sex and pituitary hormones from human urine. This was done by using the sulfate mineral gypsum and saponin extracted from flower seeds. These were then used for a multitude of medicinal purposes.
There can be many reasons that the thyroid doesn’t function the way it should, but the two most common issues are hyperthyroidism, also known as Graves’ Disease or hypothyroidism, also known as Hashimoto’s Disease.
EAM perceives hyperthyroidism as an excess of yang or fire energy, causing an accelerated metabolic rate. This heat can often be trapped in the liver organ or meridian, resulting in symptoms such as red skin, itchiness, irritability, rapid heartbeat and high metabolism. Too much heat over time can damage the cooling yin and fluids of the body, resulting in symptoms such as sweating, difficulty breathing, insomnia and dry eyes and mouth. Another common pattern of hyperthyroidism is blockages or stagnation of qi, blood or fluids. This can cause “phlegm” stagnation and is considered the reason for swelling of the thyroid gland as seen with goiters. EAM treatment focuses on calming the excessive yang, clearing fire and phlegm and strengthening qi and yin to restore equilibrium.
EAM identifies hypothyroidism as a gradually progressive disorder characterized by chronic deficiency of the spleen (digestive) and kidney (adrenal) yang energies, leading to a slowdown of metabolic processes. When spleen energy is deficient, the body cannot produce qi and blood to supply nourishment to the kidneys and other organs. Symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, dry skin and hair loss. EAM treatment aims to tonify the yang and nourish the kidney and spleen meridians, to restore balance.
Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. This is not a disease of the thyroid gland itself but of the immune system which is attacking the thyroid. Initially, the thyroid hormones may be elevated showing hyperthyroidism but eventually this will lead to inflammation, preventing the thyroid from producing adequate hormones and ending in hypothyroidism. There are over 200,000 cases nationwide annually. Symptoms may include fatigue and unexplained weight loss, feeling cold, constipation, and/or heavy menses.
Etiology is unknown but it may result from a combination of genes and triggers. It is an autoimmune disorder which is comprised of both environmental and possibly genetic factors. Triggers can be stress, virus, dietary related. Certain food such as sugary drinks, refined grains, fried foods, red meats and processed meats should be eliminated from the diet.
Hashimoto’s is also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, which ends in an underactive thyroid gland. Middle-aged women are affected most frequently, but it can affect either sex and any age, even children. In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the pituitary gland, located in the brain, increases TSH because it thinks that the thyroid is not making enough. T4 levels will be normal or low normal.
Hypothyroidism, despite its origin and cause, is a gradually progressive disorder characterized by chronic deficiency of spleen and kidney yang with declining organ functions. When spleen energy is deficient, the source of qi and blood is also deficient, followed closely by kidney yang deficiency.
Acupuncture can play a significant role in addressing thyroid disorders by balancing the flow of qi and addressing specific imbalances in the body. For instance, specific acupuncture points may be used to tonify yang energy in hypothyroidism or to disperse excessive yang in hyperthyroidism.
By stimulating the nervous system, acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters, regulating the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which are essential in ensuring a balanced flow of TSH, T3, and T4. Acupuncture’s stress-reducing effects make it an excellent ally in managing thyroid issues exacerbated by chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels. Additionally, improved blood circulation through acupuncture enhances nutrient supply to the thyroid, aiding optimal hormone production.
In autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, acupuncture’s immune-modulating effects can help reduce inflammation and improve the autoimmune response.
So regardless of the diagnosis, when it comes to disorders of the thyroid, East Asian Medicine can help. EAM utilizes herbal formulas and acupuncture to effectively help the body maintain balance and manage these disorders. If you are having problems with your thyroid, consider utilizing EAM and give us a call today.